More exceptions sought to journalism shield law

A House panel wants an act that protects news sources’ IDs to be permanent

By Derrick DePledge

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jan 31, 2013

~~The state House Judiciary Committee agreed Tuesday to make permanent a state law protecting journalists and bloggers from disclosing confidential sources or other information, but proposed expanding exceptions to the law to include a broader range of serious crimes and civil actions.
Journalists and bloggers could have to disclose information if there is substantial evidence that it is material to the investigation, prosecution or defense of a felony, potential felony, serious crime involving unlawful injury to people or animals, or a civil action. The existing shield law, which expires 
in July, includes exceptions only for felonies and civil actions involving defamation.
~~

The state House Judiciary Committee agreed Tuesday to make permanent a state law protecting journalists and bloggers from disclosing confidential sources or other information, but proposed expanding exceptions to the law to include a broader range of serious crimes and civil actions.

Journalists and bloggers could have to disclose information if there is substantial evidence that it is material to the investigation, prosecution or defense of a felony, potential felony, serious crime involving unlawful injury to people or animals, or a civil action. The existing shield law, which expires in July, includes exceptions only for felonies and civil actions involving defamation. Login for more...